New Delhi: Northern Railway has taken several steps for people stranded in flood-affected Jammu and Kashmir, run special trains as Katra, Udhampur and Jammu to different parts of the country and attaching extracoaches scheduled services.
No fewer than 15,000 people affected by the floods have so far been approved by the railways, said a senior Northern Railway. Arrangements have also been made for the free transport of relief supplies by train to Jammu and Udhampur. A special train was launched from Jammu to Indore via New Delhi to clear stranded passengers and additional coaches were adding to the regular trains per requirement, said. Two special trains are also running between Udhampur and Lucknow.
The railway was also facilitating their travel to places like Islampur, Allahabad, Cantt Araria, Bettiah, Katihar, Lalganj, Narkatiaganj, Purania, Kiahanganj, Darbhanga, Bugha, Malda Town and Jogbani.
Northern Railway, together with non-governmental organizations and gurudwaras, is providing free food to the stranded passengers at these stations. Railway doctors along with medical teams are also assisting the needy.
The Division of Northern Railway Delhi has made special arrangements for evacuees of Jammu and Kashmir. VIP waiting rooms have been intended for use in the New Delhi station.
"In case of requirement then travel to New Delhi and any other assistance, passengers can contact administrator (not mobile. 9717648892) station and Deputy Station Manager (9717631960)," the official said. Help desks have also been established in Jammu, Udhampur and Katra railway stations for the convenience of passengers. A Special Assistance Service railways has also been established in the T-3 terminal of the Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi.
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a power supply of Ministry of Railways has made the bottles of drinking water available to those affected by floods in J & K. In addition, 50,000 bottles will be sent all days to areas affected by the floods. Supplies are mainly sent through the Air Force and some through trains.
